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Sept. 19, 2008

Reminder: Family Medical Leave Act has expanded benefits for military families

Last February, Cornell announced that the U.S. Department of Labor had approved expanded federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) rules for military families. Though guidelines for these expanded rules have not yet been released, employers are encouraged to approve leaves for staff who are eligible for this benefit.

According to the expanded FMLA rules, if you are caring for a family member who is ill or injured as a result of military service, or you have additional personal responsibilities because a family member is on, or is about to go on, active military duty, you may be entitled to up to 12 or 26 weeks of job-protected leave from your position.

If you have a situation that you think may qualify for a leave under the FMLA rules for military families, ask your supervisor, manager or human resource representative, who, in turn, can contact Benefits Services, Medical Leaves Administration, at 607-216-1400 or 607-216-1428 for guidance.

Cornell's time away from work policies will be modified to reflect the revised FMLA once the Department of Labor provides guidelines to employers.